Mazabuka Central constituency PF chair lady Joyce Kangwa was on Saturday stripped naked by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres.

Ms. Kangwa was allegedly stripped by suspected UPND cadres for putting on the PF regalia soon after Mr. Banda had concluded his interview on Mazabuka Radio.

Southern Province PF secretary Moses Ngosa has reacted angrily to the development saying it was unfortunate that Ms. Kangwa, who was dressed in the party regalia, was undressed publicly by suspected UPND cadres under the instruction of Mr Banda.

“I want to condemn the barbaric behaviour by UPND cadres in Mazabuka. After Mr. Banda had his interview on Radio Mazabuka, one of our officials for Mazabuka constituency Joyce Banda was stripped of her PF chitenge material and unfortunately she was not wearing any clothes inside; we are very disappointed by this behaviour,’’ Mr Ngosa said.

He said the PF had not disturbed or harassed any UPND officials in the province and it was unjustifiable for them to attack the woman.

Mr Ngosa said PF and UPND youths in Mazabuka had always co-existed and mingled without problems and it was believed the harassment of Ms Kangwa was sparked by Mr Banda’s visit.

‘‘The youths could not have acted without influence. We co-exist in Mazabuka, that is why I strongly believe the instruction came from someone. Without him PF and UPND youths mingle without trouble, now why should it happen when he is in the district? We will take it that he gave out the instruction,’’ he said.

He said PF in Southern Province is disappointed with the ‘‘barbaric behaviour’’ of the opposition party and have condemned it in the strongest terms.

Mr Ngosa said it was unfair for the lady to be harassed on a day when she was not involved in party affairs. Ms Kangwa was in town on her way to her shop when the cadres confronted her, twisted her arm and undressed her.

Mr Ngosa explained that the chairlady complained of internal pains, painful arm and has since sought medical attention.

He said President Edgar Lungu had continued to advise Zambians to maintain peace but his party members were just human who would be forced to react at some point.

‘‘We will not tolerate this as a party. If we are pushed further although the President is always calling for peace and tolerance, we may react because we are just human beings; therefore we demand an apology from Mr Banda,’’ he added.

He said he has advised PF officials in the district to remain calm and restrain themselves from victimization or intimidation by the opposition party as a way of maintaining peace, law and order.